Simplistic in its décor, the Downtown PourHouse is far from that in what it offers patrons — which is a little bit of everything.

Billing itself as a restaurant and bar, the downtown establishment is located in the former Earthstone Grill spot at 20 S. Orange Ave. Don’t confuse it with The Pour House in MetroWest; they are two different businesses.

The layout is obviously different from Earthstone. A beautiful wood bar now takes up much of the space previously occupied by seating and wraps its way back to where the cashier used to be. The colors are muted with light blue paint on the walls and dark browns and wood tones in much of the furniture and wall fixtures. It’s a subtle feel that works, very much like Finnhenry’s approach across the street.

Even though this isn’t a large space, the owners have worked quite nicely with what they have. There’s ample indoor seating (including some outdoor tables for the smokers in the crowd), a large bar, a space for live music and a DJ at night, and even an arcade game in the back. Five 50-inch HDTVs are spread around the bar tuned into news and sports.

A business crowd tends to occupy the PourHouse during the day for its lunch menu. Later DJs and musicians bring in a late-night crowd that pays no cover at the door. In between, happy hour specials run 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily and include $2 domestic drafts, $3 wells and $4 calls. The menu is offered all of the time, and you should really try the PourHouse’s version of a French Dip (although they’re thinking of another name for it). Made on ciabatta bread delivered daily from a local baker, with homemade au jus on the side, this was one of the best sandwiches I’ve had in a while. It’s not on the menu yet — it just debuted on Super Bowl Sunday — but ask for it, and they’ll certainly serve it up for you.

One problem the PourHouse may suffer from is that simplistic look on the outside. I missed the place a couple of times trying to spot it along Orange Avenue. It’s directly across the street from Ichiban and Senso Supperclub, between Central Boulevard and Pine Street, if that helps.

A more risqué V-Day

Dinner is nice on Valentine’s Day, but some folks enjoy the naughty thrown in there as well. And of course, I have a couple of parties that can fill that need.

Leave it to Dragon Room to host a Valentine’s Day Lingerie Party, even if it is a day earlier on Saturday. The party starts at 10 p.m. and the first 10 couples through the door receive a complimentary glass of champagne. Ladies get in free before 11:30 p.m. and men who sign up on the guest list at dragonroomorlando.com pay no cover. Otherwise, it’s $5 for ladies, and $10 for men. First 50 ladies through the door receive a rose, three of which will include a prize. Specials include $5 Ketel One drinks and two-for-one drinks until midnight. Dragon Room is at 25 W. Church Street in downtown Orlando, call 407-843-8600.

All the single ladies out there, head over to Blue Martini on Saturday and Sunday after 8 p.m. When you arrive at the lounge you will receive a complimentary bottle of champagne with strawberries. The “Red Hot Sunday At Blue” event is being extended for the whole weekend, and also will include a complimentary chocolate martini each for couples that arrive between 8 and 11 p.m. Half-priced desserts will be offered too. Blue Martini is at 4200 Conroy Road, Suite H-246 in Orlando; call 407-447-BLUE.